If you’re a marijuana enthusiast planning to visit Hanoi, you might wonder, “Is weed legal in Vietnam?” Learning about the country’s drug laws is essential to avoid getting into trouble with the authorities.
In most American states, people can visit a USA seed bank and buy their favorite strains to grow at home. Asian countries are also shifting toward decriminalizing the cultivation, use, and possession of marijuana.
Is Vietnam among the nations where cannabis is legal? Keep reading to discover whether you can buy, smoke, or travel with weed in this country.
Is Marijuana Legal in Vietnam?
The Vietnamese government applies stringent measures to curb drug usage among citizens. It’s illegal to buy, sell, or use cannabis within the country’s borders.
Cultivating marijuana, whether commercially or for personal use, is also a criminal offense in the region. Though the herb is illegal in Vietnam, it’s difficult to ascertain the exact punishment one can get for cannabis use.
The government classifies marijuana as a narcotic drug, such as cocaine or heroin. Therefore, possessing a small amount of weed can put you in prison for several years.
Distributing or having large quantities of marijuana can attract hefty punishments or even the death penalty.
The History of Cannabis Laws in Vietnam
According to some sources, people started using weed in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, in the 16th century. Traditionally, people consumed cannabis for medical purposes or added them to cuisines.
Marijuana in Vietnam started gaining popularity in the 1960s after US troops entered the country. In 1968, the government publicly criticized the trafficking and use of weed among the citizens. It further instructed the province chiefs to take action against marijuana growing.
The American and Vietnamese governments collaborated and launched a program to fight cannabis cultivation. They used aircraft to discover weed farms and sent troops to destroy the crops.
According to a report by the Department of Defense, 51% of American soldiers had smoked weed by 1971. Though the troops left the country, weed usage among the locals continued.
Since the 1970s, Vietnam has had zero tolerance for cannabis trafficking, cultivation, and possession.
Can You Legally Buy Weed in Vietnam?
It’s impossible to buy cannabis legally in Vietnam since the government doesn’t license marijuana dispensaries or shops. According to online sources, the weed laws in the country are strict in books, but practical application is lax.
Foreigners and citizens can get weed from street peddlers, but the quality might be poor. The drug is common in major cities in Vietnam like Hanoi and Hue, which record a high number of tourists.
Some locals also grow indoor cannabis illegally and sell it to the ex-pat community. It’s advisable to keep off from buying street weed in Vietnam to avoid getting into trouble with the law.
Peddlers may scam you by selling poor-quality marijuana or low quantities for high prices. In some cases, street dealers may report you to the police after selling you weed. As a result, law enforcement authorities may bust and convict you.
If you’re a foreigner in Vietnam, the best idea is to stay away from consuming or possessing marijuana.
Is CBD Oil Legal in Vietnam?
Weed contains over 100 compounds, making it beneficial for recreational and medical purposes. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is responsible for causing the high after consuming marijuana.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is also among the main chemicals in cannabis used primarily for clinical purposes. Many countries legalize products with this compound since it doesn’t cause euphoric effects.
In Vietnam, it’s legal to buy, sell, or use CBD oil since it comes from hemp plants. The government doesn’t prohibit these crops as they contain less than 0.3% THC.
You can ingest CBD oil orally by swallowing it or applying it topically. Its reported health benefits include pain relief, dealing with stress, improving sleep, and treating skin disorders.
Can You Travel with Weed in Vietnam?
Vietnam is among the Asian countries with numerous tourist attraction sites. From Ha Long Bay, Phu Quoc island, to Ho Chi Minh City.
Is marijuana legal in Vietnam for visiting foreigners? If you’re from a weed-legal country, you might feel tempted to carry ganja to light up during your stay.
The Vietnamese police take drug trafficking as a serious offense. Therefore, avoid traveling with weed into the country to be safe.
Since the country seeks to be a friendly tourist destination, the authorities may avoid penalizing foreigners. However, that doesn’t mean that the ex-pat community walks scot-free from crimes such as drug possession. For example, the Vietnamese court sentenced a Russian man to seven months in prison for growing marijuana in Binh Thuan province.
What’s the Future of Weed in Vietnam?
Is weed legal in Vietnam? Nope. What about the future? Though the country strictly criminalizes marijuana, that might change in the coming years.
Cannabis enthusiasts and advocates air their voices to persuade governments to legalize this herb. Due to their activism, citizens in numerous nations can enjoy weed without worrying about arrests.
Vietnam might decide to join the green revolution and allow the use of recreational and medicinal marijuana. But, before that, obey the laws of the land to avoid trouble with the authorities.